Tag Archive | faith

John 9 – Once blind but now I see

Dec9

Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 Today we’re diving into chapter 9, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

This chapter opens with Jesus noticing a man who had been blind from birth, and immediately the disciples asked a question many of us still ask today:

“Teacher, whose sin caused this guy’s blindness—his own, or his parents’?” (John 9:1–2 TPT)

As I read this, I found myself wondering why the disciples’ first assumption was sin. Why did they automatically link his condition to guilt or punishment? And then it hit me—this is exactly how we often think. When we face challenges, delays, sickness, or hardship, we instinctively assume, “Maybe it’s because of something I did wrong” or “Maybe it’s a generational issue.” Rarely do we pause to consider that perhaps this situation is simply an opportunity for God to show His greatness in our lives.

Jesus’ response is powerful:
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins… This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:3 NLT)

I absolutely love the Life Application Study Bible’s commentary on this verse. It says:

“A common belief in Jewish culture was that calamity or suffering was the result of some great sin. But Jesus used this man’s suffering to teach about faith and to glorify God. We live in a fallen world where good behaviour is not always rewarded and bad behavior is not always punished. Therefore, innocent people sometimes suffer. If God took suffering away whenever we asked, we would follow him for comfort and convenience, not out of love and devotion. Regardless of the reasons for our suffering, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it. When you suffer from a disease, tragedy, or disability, try not to ask, Why did this happen to me? or What did I do wrong? Instead, ask God to give you strength for the trial and a clearer perspective on what is happening”. (Life Application Study Bible NLT, John 9:2-3)

So next time a challenge arises, resist the temptation to jump straight into guilt or self-blame. Instead, turn to God and ask for His wisdom, guidance, and strength to walk through it. Remember His promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” God is for you, not against you, and He is always ready to reveal His mighty works through your life when you trust Him.

As the story continues, Jesus heals the blind man. But instead of celebrating the miracle, the Pharisees questioned it, doubted it, dissected it, and tried to discredit it, especially because the healing took place on the Sabbath. The man kept repeating his testimony, yet they refused to accept it. I can’t help but wonder if they hoped to make him doubt what had happened. But he stood firm. He knew he had been blind, and he knew he could now see. His encounter with Jesus was personal, undeniable, and unshakeable.

This is such an important lesson for us: there will always be people who doubt Jesus, who question your faith, or who don’t believe your testimony. But our confidence shouldn’t depend on their approval. Like the healed man, our conviction must come from a personal encounter with Jesus, one so real that no argument or opinion can move us.

Later in the chapter, Jesus hears that the healed man was thrown out of the synagogue, so He goes to find him. Jesus asks, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” When the man expresses his desire to believe, Jesus reveals Himself as the One standing before him. And the man responds with belief and worship.

‘When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man? ” The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!” “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. ‘(John 9:35-38 TPT)

The miracle opened his physical eyes, but Jesus’ revelation opened his spiritual eyes. This is the heart of the story: the miracle is not the end goal. The true purpose is for us to believe and have a relationship with Jesus, the giver of eternal life. And if you haven’t already taken that step, Jesus’ invitation is open to you today. His arms are wide open to receive you, all you need to do is believe in him

Prayer for Salvation:
Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for me. Forgive me for all my wrongs. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord and that You raised Him from the dead. Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit. I believe it, I receive it, and I confess it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Welcome to the family of God 😊

Thank you so much for joining me in our study of John 9. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you the most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments so we can continue growing together.

John 1 – The Living Expression of God

Nov3

Good day everyone and welcome to a brand new month and a brand new book that we’ll be studying together through November and into December. We’re beginning a new journey through the Gospels, starting with the book of John. My prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for your daily walk with Him.

Let’s dive right in. Today, we’ll focus on John 1:1–5, which says:
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:1–5 NLT)

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, the full expression of God in human form. He is everything God is, revealed to us in person. I love how the Passion Translation puts it: “In the beginning the Living Expression was already there. And the Living Expression was with God—yet fully God.” (John 1:1 TPT)

Just as we express ourselves through our words, God expresses Himself through Jesus Christ. He is the Living Expression of the Father, the spoken Word that brought creation into being in Genesis 1.

‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. ‘(Genesis 1:1–3 NKJV)

 Those three words, “Then God said,” are the Word of God in action. It was through Jesus the Word that everything came into existence. John tells us that God created everything through Him, and that nothing was created apart from Him. That includes you and me, the earth and sky, every visible and invisible thing, all designed and held together through Him.

Colossians 1:16–17 (TPT) expands this truth beautifully: “For in him was created the universe of things, both in the heavenly realm and on the earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of government, principality, and authority—it all exists through him and for his purpose! He existed before anything was made, and now everything finds completion in him.” What an incredible truth! Everything exists through Jesus Christ and for His purpose. God didn’t make a mistake when He created the world, and He didn’t make a mistake when He created you. You were designed intentionally for His glory, and everything about your life has meaning and purpose in Him.

Even more amazing is that everything finds completion in Jesus. Outside of Him, we’re left searching for fulfilment in all the wrong places, in people, possessions, success, or experiences. But no matter how far we search, we will always come up empty until we return to the One who completes us. Our true satisfaction, identity, and wholeness can only be found in Jesus Christ.

“The Word gave life to everything that was created.” Without Jesus, there is no life. He is the source and sustainer of all life. You might think you are living, but are you truly alive? True life, the kind that overflows with meaning, peace, and joy can only come from knowing the One who gives it. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This abundant life isn’t about having more things; it’s about living in relationship with the One who gives life freely and fully.

Jesus doesn’t just give life; He gives light. His life brings light to every person, shining into the darkest places of our hearts and circumstances. Maybe you’re walking through a dark moment right now, uncertainty, fear, grief, or confusion. Remember this: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” No matter how heavy the darkness feels, it cannot overcome the light of Christ. Darkness has no power over the presence of Jesus.

If there’s a place in your life that feels dark or hopeless, invite Him into it. Let His light shine there. He alone has the power to bring clarity where there’s confusion, healing where there’s pain, and peace where there’s turmoil.

Remember, you were created through Him, for Him, and you are made complete in Him.

Thank you for joining me today! 😊 I’d love to hear how John 1 spoke to you — share your thoughts or reflections in the comments below so we can continue to grow together.

✨Here are some reflection questions to ponder on:

🌿 Reflection Questions:

1)What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Living Expression of God?

2 Where might you still be searching for fulfilment apart from Him?

3)How can you welcome His light into the dark places of your heart today?